Sweyolakan Overnight Camp

Why Camp Sweyolakan?

Camp Sweyolakan’s camp programs are geared for kids ages 5-18. Our youngest campers must be entering 1st grade in the fall. Kids are placed in small groups by age and are given appropriate activities. Camp Sweyolakan has something for everyone. There are six week-long sessions to choose from and two opportunities to stay through the weekend and into the next session for those who want to stay longer. First time campers can attend a shorter session of a 4-night overnight camp or a 5-day Outbackers Day Camp session. High school Juniors and Seniors looking to make life-long friends, gain leadership skills and gather team building experience can try out our Youth Leadership Programs. Families who are looking to camp together with all of Camp Sweyolakan’s amenities have a choice of two You and Me Kid sessions (all ages).

Camp Sweyolakan is a rustic 300 acre camp on beautiful Lake Coeur d’Alene’s Mica Bay. Camper activities include hiking, boating, swimming, archery, science projects, fishing, forestry, outdoor skills and challenge courses.

One important aspect of Camp Sweyolakan is to value family traditions and foster a family feel. Each of camper group is set at the beginning of the week and a counselor stays with that group for the entire week. Groups move around to activities together, make plans together, sleep together and thrive together, oftentimes bonding to create lifelong friendships. Most of meals are served family style, meaning the entire camp comes together at the same time and sits down in mixed company to eat together, following rules of etiquette.

Our Philosophy

WE BELIEVE THAT:

Camping in the out-of-doors is the normal extension of Camp Fire’s small group-centered program. It is also a unique educational and recreational experience. The outdoor environment reinforces the Camp Fire approach to working with youth. A Camp Fire camp is any place a group of youngsters with mature leadership has an organized, outdoor experience while living in groups. It may be a group campsite in the park, a day camp, on a farm or at a council owned resident camp.

WE BELIEVE THAT:

The basic strength of Camp Fire programs anywhere and under any circumstances, is the unique characteristic of the small group and of the attention provided for each individual. The program is an overt effort to confront the great variety of individual differences in a loosely structured, child-centered way. It is a concerted effort to help each child grow to adulthood through their own experiences. Camping is no different. It, too, must emphasize the small group; the individual attention; the acceptance of difference; the loosely structured, child-centered approach.

WE BELIEVE THAT:

A Camp Fire camp is a microcosm in which all the elements of life are intensified by the total environment. It is a place where optimum conditions for learning to live with one’s self and with others can be created. It is an outdoor learning laboratory with unique opportunities for campers to understand their relationships with their environment. A Camp Fire camp focuses on the creative enrichment of an individual. It is an oasis for children and adults; a land of fun and adventure and learning where great depth of understanding can grow from the simple.

Program Objectives

Give as many children as possible the opportunity to attend camp through community awareness, public relations, financial aid and donations.
Encourage camper development of skills with can be used in leisure time through a program of progression in swimming, canoeing, sailing, boating, archery, crafts, and outdoor living skills.
Provide campers, within the limits of their capabilities, the opportunity to plan and carry out their own activities with the help and guidance of counselors.
Provide all children with the opportunity to mingle with diverse populations and develop an appreciation of individual differences.
Maintain the safety, health, physical and emotional well being of the campers in all phases of the camp program.
Develop in each camper nature appreciation, a concern for ecology and a desire to help preserve our environment.
Provide program and site plan which will encourage campers to return to camp year after year.
Provide opportunities to learn and practice group living skills.
HAVE FUN!

After You Register

After you’ve registered, find out what you’ll need to pack, how to send mail, accessing your registration account, making changes, and more in our Parent Corner

ACA Accredited

Camp Sweyolakan is accredited by the American Camp Association, meeting high standards in health, safety, and program quality.

Location & Transportation

Camp Sweyolakan is located on 300 acres of forest on the shore of Lake Coeur d’Alene. It is only accessible by boat. Camp Fire Inland Northwest provides a variety of ways for campers to arrive at and depart from Camp Sweyolakan to and from the Spokane and Coeur d’Alene areas.

Driving Directions to Independence Point (drop off and pick up for all regular sessions)

Driving Directions to Sweyolakan Landing (for Mini Camp, Family Camp & Special Events only)

Visit Camp

Join us for an Open House in June to see Camp Sweyolakan in action. Ride on the boat to meet the staff, check it out and learn about our summer schedule.

Join Our Staff!

Each year Camp Sweyolakan builds a team of 30 counselors, activity specialists, operations specialists, and supervisors to create the best possible summer for our campers. Summer Camp Job Listings

Volunteer!

In addition to staff, Camp Sweyolakan depends on volunteers, including nurses, cooks and other supportive roles. Children of volunteers may be enrolled in summer camp for free! Summer Camp Volunteer Opportunities